El Salvador Expat Forum

Question about safety and fitting in

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telshi

6/2/2015 21:56 EST

Hello, I am planning to visit El Salvador soon, and I will be staying in Soyapango/Ilopango area in San Salvador. Could anyone give me some tips on how to behave in order to stay safe? Lots of people are scaring me saying that basically I can't go outside on the street, speak English aloud, or even drive a car in these areas... Let alone going to buy food at the nearby stand or go to church, park, cemetery... I know that there is a gang problem, but is it really THAT bad, taking into consideration that I am not Salvadorian myself (I/m european-looking female, dark hair, light skin)? I do speak Spanish though, but I do look like a foreigner. Any advice? Should I just stay inside the house the whole time? O_O Should I get a tan and try to blend in (impossible I guess)?

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busman7

6/3/2015 10:38 EST

As you say you will be staying in a house I assume that means you will be staying with friends? If so rely on their advice.

Although Soyopango is a known home of gangs, foreigners are not targeted, neighbourhood citizens look after each other so it won't take very long for them to know you are staying with friends and you will be fine driving buying food, going to the park etc. Friends will be able to advise you of any areas to be avoided.

The gangs make their money mainly from extortion of local business not from harassing visitors.

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telshi

6/4/2015 21:58 EST

Thank you, busman7. The main reason I'm freaking out is because I'm taking my 2 year old child with me, and the baby's safety is my main concern. I was in El Salvador twice, about 10 years ago and 1 year ago. It seemed dangerous, we were watched at times, some gangsters lived in a house just one house away from our host... But I was by myself, so I was OK taking the risk. This time with the baby everything worries me like a hundred times more :) Thanks again!

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busman7

6/7/2015 11:24 EST

Your host from your past trip will have better information than you will get on the internet but in general it will be safer with a baby.

However I live in Playa San Diego where I would not hesitate to say no problem but am not that familiar with Soyapango.

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